Tuesday, 23 November 2010

Justice Hayes

Name: Justice Hayes

Location: Grand Blanc, MI

Position: RB

Ratings: ESPN – 4* (79), Scout – 4*, Rivals 4*

Recruitment: Always liked Michigan but was worried about their performances on the field, committed to Notre Dame during the summer. Decommitted in early November, and surprised a few by selecting Michigan soon after. Recruited as an “athlete”, so could play multiple positions on offense.

Offers: Had a top six of Tennessee, Michigan, MSU, Iowa, Northwestern and Notre Dame. Had offers from most other Big Ten schools too.

Stats: Justice Hayes finished his junior season with 1,400 yard rushing for 15 touchdowns on 175 carries, unfortunately missed his senior season with an injury, and just had wrist surgery. Currently weighs around 185 at 5’10 and runs in the 4.45 range.

ESPN Analysis: Hayes is a quick, gliding running back with a lot of natural ability. Has just adequate size but runs harder than listed measurables and his quick-twitched athleticism allows him to run with deceptive strength. Flashes great elusiveness and suddenness through the hole and second level.

Has good top-end speed and an extra gear to separate when he turns the corner but does appear quicker than fast at times. That said, Hayes has big-play potential with his initial burst and ability to reach top-speed extremely quick. Polished hands and receiving skills out of the backfield add to his upside.

From the man himself: “I’m quick and have great speed. I can make defenders miss and take it to the end zone on any given play. I’m also not afraid to go up the middle, but I’m more of a shifty, all-purpose back. I still want to continue getting faster and work on my flat out speed. Plus, I want to get bigger and stronger and be more of an every-down back.”